On April 18th, the European-Ukrainian Hub was abuzz with excitement as we launched into an afternoon of captivating talks and insightful panel discussions at the WaveMakers Kick-off Event.
From Dreamers to WaveMaker
The event began with an invigorating speech by Stefan Tange, a psychologist at Implement Consulting Group. He passionately spoke about the power of dreams and urged us to embrace our inner "dreamers." However, Stefan emphasized that dreams alone are not enough. True transformation happens when dreams are paired with action plans, turning dreamers into creators—or as we like to call them, WaveMakers. His motivational words left us feeling empowered, reinforcing the belief that with clear goals, strategic plans, and relentless determination, the sky's the limit. While obstacles may arise, viewing them as temporary setbacks rather than roadblocks can propel us forward on our journey to success.
The Climate Crisis and Youth Activism
Sustainability was a key focus of the event. Benjamin Bøgen Pedersen from the National Youth Climate Council took the stage to share his concerns about the planet. He highlighted the dire consequences of the climate crisis:
- By 2050, 24 million more children are projected to be undernourished.
- By 2040, one in four children will live in areas with extreme water shortages.
- Newborns today will face seven times more scorching heatwaves in their lives than their grandparents.
- The education of 38 million children is disrupted each year due to climate-related events.
- Up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced globally by 2050 because of climate change.
Benjamin's message was clear: the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but a profound driver of generational inequality. He called for immediate action and systemic change, emphasizing that while the process may be slow, new regulations are pushing individuals and companies to take meaningful steps. His final words, "Don’t just compete—challenge, solve, and innovate," resonated deeply with the audience.
Innovation in Sustainable Fishing
Nima Tisdal exemplified Benjamin's call to action through her work with Blue Lobster, an app connecting fishermen directly with consumers. This platform promotes transparency, boosts fishermen's income, and helps restaurants access fresh, affordable fish while encouraging sustainable fishing practices. Despite challenges, including a drastic reduction in the number of sustainable fishermen and a 33% decrease in fishing days over the past decade due to weather volatility, Nima remains undeterred. Today, she serves as the CEO at Nordic Makers and has been recognized as one of the “100 most influential women in Denmark.” Her dedication to impact innovation and sustainable solutions continues to inspire.
Empowering Youth Through Cross-Cultural Collaboration
We also had the pleasure of hearing from Julie Arnfred Bøjesen of the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House, a partner in the WaveMakers program. Julie shared their inspiring journey of reaching 45,000 youth across Ukraine and Denmark through various projects, training, and exchange programs. She emphasized the importance of cross-cultural collaborations and partnerships, highlighting that diverse perspectives foster unique ideas and that international challenges require international solutions.
Connecting Sustainable Changemakers
Alexandra Halberg Hüneburg-Møller from Sustainable Changemakers spoke about the importance of connecting changemakers across disciplines to share knowledge, insights, and cases. Her organization aims to inspire sustainable action by fostering a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to creating a positive impact.
The Power of Networks and Communities
Finally, Fabian Van Ovelen from Unleash and Lasse Heiden from MK Running discussed the significance of networks and communities. They underscored that building bridges starts with discovering shared values and ideas. As soon as you begin sharing, you will find people around you who resonate with your mission, leading to meaningful connections and impactful projects.
Thank you so much to everyone who came and made the WaveMakers Kick-off Event to a powerful reminder that with passion, collaboration, and determination, we can tackle even the most daunting challenges. Let's continue to dream, act, and create a sustainable future together.
